Rheumy Appointment #2 Results

My x-rays didn’t show any terrible changes in the bones themselves. My blood tests were normal for someone with RA – high sedimentation rate, high white blood count, etc.

My doctor is suggesting that I begin taking Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine). It was an anti-malarial drug and then was found to help patients with lupus and RA as well. It’s an immunosuppressant. It’s not a bad idea, because it’s one of the more mild RA medications. It’s a DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug), but no one is exactly sure how it works for RA and lupus. The side effects seem to be minimal, and pretty similar to the problems my arthritis already causes me – stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, etc. As a 21-year-old, I’m a little saddened at the caution about drinking alcohol and liver problems, but I don’t really drink anyway, haha.
The reviews seem to be really good too. Is anyone else on this medication? Is it working well?

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